Fats began his recording career in 1922 and made a living playing rent parties, as an organist at movie theatres and as an accompanist for various vaudeville acts. In 1927 he co-wrote a couple of tunes with his old piano teacher James P. Johnson for his show "Keep Shufflin'". Two years later Waller wrote the score for the Broadway hit "Hot Chocolates" with lyrics supplied by his friend Andy Razaf. Fats' most famous song, "Ain't Misbehavin'" was introduced in this show which featured Louis Armstrong.
Fats Waller's big break occurred at a party given by George Gershwin in 1934, where he delighted the crowd with his piano playing and singing. An executive of Victor Records, who was at the party was so impressed that he arranged for Fats to record with the company. This arrangement would continue until Waller's death in 1943.
Most of the records he made were released under the name of Fats Waller and his Rhythm. The group consisted of around half a dozen musicians who worked with him regularly, including Zutty Singleton. Throughout the 1930s and early 1940s Fats was a star of radio and nightclubs, and toured Europe. He unexpectedtly died on board a train near Kansas City, Missouri of pneumonia in 1943.
Darktown Strutters Ball
Fats Waller and His Rhythm Lyrics
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Better be ready 'bout half past eight
Now honey don't be late
I wanna be there when that band starts playing
Just remember when we get there honey
Blue steps i'm gonna have them all
Dance all ? my shoes when they play those jelly roll blues
Tomorrow night at the darktown strutters ball
The lyrics to Fats Waller and His Rhythm's song Darktown Strutters Ball is a classic depiction of excitement and anticipation for a night of dancing and music. The first verse commands the listener to be ready by half past eight as the singer promises to come and pick them up in a taxi. He emphasizes the importance of not being late because he wants to be present when the band starts playing. The second verse alludes to the singer’s dancing skills by suggesting that he will have all the “blue steps” at his disposal for the night.
The final verse is an ode to the sheer joy and enthusiasm he feels about dancing to the band's rendition of the “jelly roll blues” at the Darktown Strutters Ball. The singer paints a vivid picture of the night, where he plans to dance until his shoes wear out. Every line is filled with gusto and builds excitement around the anticipation of the “ball” and dancing to some of the most iconic tunes in jazz music. Overall, this song is a beautiful representation of the 1920s jazz era and the joys of dancing, music, and social gatherings in that era.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be down to get you in a taxi honey
I will arrive at your location in a taxi, my dear
Better be ready 'bout half past eight
Be prepared around 8:30 PM
Now honey don't be late
My sweet, please do not arrive after the designated time
I wanna be there when that band starts playing
I desire to be present at the moment when the band initiates playing their music
Just remember when we get there honey
Recall, my dear, when we reach that destination
Blue steps i'm gonna have them all
I intend to dance a specific type of step called 'blue steps'
Dance all ? my shoes when they play those jelly roll blues
I will be dancing so intensively that my shoes will be thoroughly used up and the music that incites my rhythms will be the 'jelly roll blues'
Tomorrow night at the darktown strutters ball
This event will take place the following night at the 'darktown strutters ball'
Contributed by Sophia E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.